Retailers – during the past three or four years, have you noticed that traffic is down in your store? Your average ticket, and gross revenues, may be up, but that’s because your average customer is fairly wealthy and is buying the best you have.

In early June, Hearth & Home faxed a survey to 2,500 specialty retailers of hearth, patio, and barbecue products, asking them to compare May 2019 sales to May 2018. The accompanying charts and selected comments are from the 193 useable returns.

This warm and inviting photo was taken in the San Diego area. It’s a great use of outside space, with an oven as the focal point (but it’s fighting with the wonderful view for that honor).